Citing Textual Evidence
Word Meanings
Story Elements & Author's Craft
Writing Skills
Conventions
100

What can you infer from this sentence?


"Jay slammed the door and stomped up the stairs without saying a word."


A. Jay is feeling excited
B. Jay is in a hurry
C. Jay is angry or upset
D. Jay is going to bed


C. Jay is angry or upset

100

What does frantic most likely mean?


“He made a frantic dash to catch the bus before it pulled away.”


Panicked

100

Which sentence best reveals the narrator’s unreliable point of view?


A. "I always told the truth, even when no one believed me."
B. "I didn’t technically steal the bike. I borrowed it… for a week."
C. "He was taller than me by a few inches."
D. "She didn’t respond to my message."

B. "I didn’t technically steal the bike. I borrowed it… for a week."

100

Which sentence is the most effective thesis for an argumentative essay about school uniforms?


A. I think school uniforms are good because they stop bullying.
B. Students should wear uniforms to reduce distractions and promote equality.
C. Uniforms are okay for some students, but they aren't for everyone.
D. Many students feel differently about uniforms.

B. Students should wear uniforms to reduce distractions and promote equality.

100

100:
Correctly punctuate the following sentence:

When the bell rang I ran out the door and I forgot my backpack

When the bell rang, I ran out the door, and I forgot my backpack.

200

Why does the author include this line?


“She stared at her feet as she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.”


A. To show she is confident
B. To suggest she is bored
C. To reveal she is nervous or shy
D. To show she is yelling


C. To reveal she is nervous or shy

200

Choose the best meaning of elated:


“When the team won, she was elated.”



Overjoyed

200

How does the setting influence the plot?


The story takes place in a city during a major power outage.


A. It creates a peaceful mood.
B. It limits character movement and increases tension.
C. It allows characters to rely on technology.
D. It speeds up the resolution of the story.


B. It limits character movement and increases tension.

200

200:
Which transition would best clarify a cause-and-effect relationship?


A. On the other hand
B. As a result
C. For instance
D. Additionally

B. As a result

200

200:
Correctly punctuate the following complex sentence?


Because I was late my teacher marked me absent

Because I was late, my teacher marked me absent.

300

What can you infer about the setting?


“Snow blanketed the streets and wind howled through the empty trees.”


A. It's springtime
B. It’s winter and likely cold
C. It’s summer vacation
D. The town is crowded


B. It’s winter and likely cold

300

What does glared mean in the sentence?


“He glared at his brother and crossed his arms.”


Angry

300

300:
In a story told from two perspectives—one hopeful and one cynical—how does the author’s use of contrasting points of view affect the reader?


A. It causes confusion about the story’s timeline.
B. It reinforces a single opinion.
C. It provides a balanced understanding of events.
D. It removes emotion from the story.

C. It provides a balanced understanding of events.

300

300:
What’s the best revision for improving clarity and focus?


Original: “Pollution is a thing that happens when people throw trash and it's not good.”


A. Pollution is common and there's not much anyone can do about it.
B. People don’t like pollution, and it should be stopped.
C. Pollution occurs when harmful substances enter the environment, causing long-term damage to ecosystems.
D. Pollution makes people sad sometimes because it hurts animals.

C. Pollution occurs when harmful substances enter the environment, causing long-term damage to ecosystems.

300

300:
Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?


A. I studied for hours; but I still felt nervous before the test.
B. I studied for hours; I still felt nervous before the test.
C. I studied; for hours, I still felt nervous before the test.
D. I studied, for hours; I still felt nervous before the test.

B. I studied for hours; I still felt nervous before the test.

400

What does this detail reveal about the character?


“I’ve practiced every day for a month—I won’t let nerves ruin this.”


A. The character is overconfident
B. The character is determined and prepared
C. The character is uninterested
D. The character is scared and giving up


B. The character is determined and prepared

400

What does vital mean?


“Water is vital for all living things to survive.”



Necessary

400

Which example best shows how an author uses symbolism to develop a theme?


A. The balloon floating away represent the loss of innocence.
B. The main character eats lunch with her friends.
C. The character ties her shoe before running.
D. The teacher hands out a test.

A. The balloon floating away represent the loss of innocence.

400

400:
Which sentence uses vivid language and narrative pacing most effectively?


A. We went to the store and then quickly came home to watch movies on the sofa.
B. Suddenly, the door burst open and a gust of wind blew through the room, scattering the papers like leaves in a storm.
C. The papers moved because my little brother left my window open.
D. It was so windy my mail blew away when I opened my mailbox.

B. Suddenly, the door burst open and a gust of wind blew through the room, scattering the papers like leaves in a storm.

400

400:
Identify the sentence that contains both an independent and dependent clause.


A. I like to read books, but I like movies more.
B. When I finish my homework, I’ll call you.
C. Please bring your book. I forgot it at home.
D. It was so cold outside; I had to wear a heavy coat.

B. When I finish my homework, I’ll call you.

500

What can be inferred from this passage?


"Lena grinned as her name was called. She stood up, heart racing, and walked to the stage."


A. Lena is embarrassed
B. Lena is confused
C. Lena is proud and excited
D. Lena is lost


C. Lena is proud and excited

500

What does disrupted mean?


“The loud crash disrupted the quiet classroom.”


Interrupted

500

500:
How does the author use word choice to develop tone?


“He trudged through the muddy trail, each step heavier than the last, as storm clouds churned overhead.”


A. The author’s word choice creates a hopeful tone.
B. The word choice builds suspense and dread.
C. The tone is humorous and sarcastic.
D. The author creates a neutral tone with simple descriptions.


B. The word choice builds suspense and dread.

500

500:
Which excerpt best uses reflection to add depth to a personal narrative?


A. “I finished the race and went home. I wasn't happy because I didn't place where I wanted to.”
B. “Winning was really fun.”
C. “As I crossed the finish line, I realized that the real victory wasn’t first place—it was proving to myself that I could finish.”
D. “I ran fast, and then I got really tired, so I slept when I got home.”

C. “As I crossed the finish line, I realized that the real victory wasn’t first place—it was proving to myself that I could finish.”

500

500:
Which sentence contains a correctly punctuated compound-complex sentence?


A. I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
B. Because it was raining, I stayed inside, and I watched a movie.
C. I stayed home and watched a movie because it was raining.
D. It started raining and I stayed inside because I was tired.

B. Because it was raining, I stayed inside, and I watched a movie.

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